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Legalise the Rhino Horn Trade

05:07:00

South Africa's decision to not propose legalising the rhino horn trade is pushing rhinos one step closer to extinction. It's greed; pure and simple.

Illegal trade leads to black markets, and as rhinos become more and more endangered, the black market prices get higher and higher. This decision not to propose lifting the ban puts the market for trade right back into the poachers hands.

This decision had been made purely out of greed. The black market prices have soared, benefitting poaching syndicates and charities that are getting rich off the rhino's plight.

I have written on legalising the rhino horn trade before HERE, on Let Rhino's Roam Free's blog and have been wanting to write about it on A Voice for the Voiceless for a long time. If you've read THIS POST, you'll know I co-run a rhino charity. This charity, unlike some, sends 100% of its proceeds directly to South Africa's private reserve owners.

I believe the future of the species lies with the private owners. These people put their life on the line every single day to protect their animals. What's heartbreaking is that these people are not being heard. The majority of private owners in South Africa support the idea to lift the ban on the international trade in rhino horn. They are experts and they would not support it if they didn't truly believe it would help.

The people making the decisions don't see the value in these animals beyond the dollar signs. We live in an economic world, where money is the main driver in policy making.

You cannot put a value on life.

The name for this blog was inspired by someone who I have volunteered for in the past. She is my inspiration to keep fighting to animal rights, and to work in conservation. She is a strong voice in leading the fight against rhino poaching. She is inspiring people all over the world everyday. But she is not being heard.

If something is to be done, we need to shout louder. Be the voice for the voiceless, and stand up for animal welfare.

Use the hashtag: #LiftTheBan to promote lifting the ban on the international trade of rhino horn. Post it everywhere: use social media to bring about a positive change.

Together we can make a difference. We just need to keep going and never give up hope.